Canada’s $680 One-Time CRA Payment Confirmed – Eligibility, Dates and Full Details

The CRA $680 one-time payment is a targeted financial relief measure designed to help Canadians manage rising costs in 2025. The payment is aimed primarily at low- and middle-income households, seniors, and families receiving government benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or the GST/HST credit.

This tax-free payment will be distributed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), mostly via direct deposit on September 25, 2025. Those without direct deposit will receive a mailed cheque shortly afterward.

It requires no separate application — filing your 2024 tax return and keeping your personal information updated with CRA is all that’s needed to qualify.

Why the CRA Introduced This One-Time $680 Payment

Canada continues to grapple with high living costs, driven by inflation in essentials such as food, housing, utilities, and transportation. The CRA’s $680 payment serves as a temporary cushion to help Canadians bridge the gap during an expensive year.

While it’s not a permanent benefit, it’s a timely injection of cash that can help families and individuals manage pressing expenses heading into fall 2025 — a period when heating bills and household costs typically rise.

Key Details of the CRA $680 One-Time Payment

Feature	Details
Payment Amount	$680
Payment Date	September 25, 2025
Payment Method	Direct deposit (preferred) or mailed cheque
Eligibility	Low- and middle-income Canadians, seniors on OAS/GIS, CCB and GST/HST credit recipients
Application	No application required; must file 2024 taxes
Tax Status	Tax-free; does not affect other benefits or taxable income
Official Source	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Who Qualifies for the CRA $680 Payment?

The government is targeting this relief payment to help those most affected by inflation. Here’s a closer look at who qualifies:

• Low- and Middle-Income Canadians: Those whose income falls within CRA’s annual benefit thresholds.
• Seniors on OAS and GIS: Retirees with limited fixed incomes facing higher medical, rent, and energy costs.
• Canada Child Benefit Recipients: Families receiving the CCB will automatically qualify for this top-up.
• GST/HST Credit Recipients: If you already receive GST/HST quarterly payments, you’ll likely get this one too.

Important: Eligibility is based on your 2024 income tax return, so if you haven’t filed yet, doing so ensures CRA has your latest information.

When and How the $680 Payment Will Arrive

Canadians can expect to receive their CRA $680 one-time payment on or around September 25, 2025.

Payment Method Breakdown:

• Direct Deposit: Most recipients will see the deposit in their bank accounts on the same day.
• Mailed Cheques: For those not enrolled in direct deposit, CRA will mail cheques soon after. Delivery may take 5–10 business days depending on your location.

If you want faster access, enroll in direct deposit through CRA My Account or your bank before September.

Why This Payment Matters

Tackling Inflation Head-On

Inflation has made 2025 another challenging year for Canadian households. Grocery costs are up nearly 10%, and average rents in cities like Toronto and Vancouver have climbed between 5–7%. Gas and energy prices remain volatile, further straining budgets.

The CRA’s $680 payment provides a practical lifeline, helping families cover essentials like groceries, rent, fuel, and utilities without resorting to credit or skipping bills.

Helping Those Who Need It Most

Unlike broad tax cuts that benefit everyone, this payment focuses on low- and middle-income Canadians, ensuring those who are most vulnerable to inflation receive meaningful assistance.

How This Payment Fits Into Canada’s Broader Support System

The $680 one-time payment is part of a larger financial support framework managed by the federal government and the CRA. Together, these programs form a comprehensive safety net for Canadians:

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Provides monthly tax-free payments to parents based on income and family size. In 2025, families can receive up to $7,787 per child under 6 and $6,570 per child aged 6–17 annually.

GST/HST Credit

Issued quarterly to offset consumption taxes. Most low- and moderate-income individuals receive between $300–$700 per year depending on family composition.

Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

Support seniors with monthly income top-ups, especially those with modest or no private pensions.

Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)

Offers a refundable tax credit to low-income workers, helping them retain more of their earnings.

Canadian Dental Care Plan

Expanded in 2025 to cover dental services for families earning under $90,000 per year.

Each of these programs, including the $680 payment, contributes to a layered approach designed to make daily living more affordable for millions.

Real-Life Impact: What $680 Means for Canadians

Sarah in Calgary

A single mom working full-time while raising two kids, Sarah says the $680 payment will help her cover utilities and groceries for the month without relying on credit cards.

Hank in Halifax

A retired senior living on OAS and GIS, Hank plans to use the money to refill prescriptions and pay for heating costs, which have steadily risen since last winter.

Stories like these show how direct financial assistance has a real-world impact beyond the numbers — helping families breathe a little easier.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Sure You Receive Your Payment

1. File Your 2024 Tax Return Early: Your eligibility is based on your tax return, even if your income was zero.
2. Update Personal Details: Make sure your address and direct deposit information are current on CRA My Account.
3. Check Benefit Status: If you already receive CCB, OAS, or GST/HST credits, you’re likely eligible.
4. Watch for Payment on September 25: Direct deposits will arrive first, followed by mailed cheques.
5. Use Funds Wisely: Plan your budget to make the most of this one-time relief.

Smart Ways to Use the $680 Payment

Even though it’s a one-time amount, $680 can go a long way when used strategically:

• Pay essential bills first: Focus on rent, electricity, water, and heating.
• Reduce small debts: Paying off high-interest credit balances can save money long-term.
• Set aside for emergencies: Even a small cushion of $100–$200 can help during unexpected expenses.
• Budget for groceries: Plan ahead to stretch food dollars over the coming weeks.
• Avoid impulse spending: Treat this as essential relief, not discretionary income.

Watch Out for Scams and Fraud Attempts

Whenever the CRA announces major payments, scammers often try to take advantage of the situation.

Key Warnings:

• CRA never asks for banking info or personal details via phone, email, or text.
• Ignore messages claiming you must “click a link” to claim your payment.
• CRA will never demand fees, gift cards, or e-Transfers for payment processing.
• Always verify messages directly on CRA’s official website (canada.ca/cra).

Staying alert can protect you and others from identity theft or financial scams.

The Broader Message: Financial Stability Through Support

The CRA $680 one-time payment reinforces the government’s ongoing effort to protect vulnerable households from inflation and rising costs.

While it may not eliminate financial stress completely, this support — combined with programs like CCB, OAS, and GST credits — continues to uphold Canada’s commitment to equity and affordability.

For millions of Canadians, this payment is more than a financial deposit — it’s a reminder that help is still on the way.

FAQs on the CRA $680 One-Time Payment

1. When will the CRA $680 payment arrive?
The payment will be issued on or around September 25, 2025 via direct deposit or cheque.

2. Who is eligible for the payment?
Low- and middle-income Canadians, seniors receiving OAS/GIS, and benefit recipients such as those receiving CCB or GST/HST credits.

3. Do I need to apply for the payment?
No application is required. Just file your 2024 tax return and ensure your CRA information is current.

4. Is this payment taxable?
No. The $680 is completely tax-free and does not affect your income or other benefit amounts.

5. What should I do if I don’t receive it by early October?
Check your CRA My Account for updates. If the payment hasn’t arrived within 10 business days, contact the CRA directly